is it the norm to pay your nanny a Christmas bonus...

[starmucks]

I know it's something we should have discussed when hiring, but being naive, ill -informed whatever I didn't know there was such a thing. Is it the norm? If so how much should it be? HELP! both confused and tired

As a nanny, I can say... I've never been working as a nanny over xmas, so I dont know. but I can say it would be so very appreciated by most, how lond has nanny been with you? If moneys an issue, find out what she likes doing most and see if you can sort something out? or unexpected time off if work permits?

oh yes, week's pay plus pressies too

I am planning a weeks pay in cash and about £100 in pressies...........too much ??

Can i work for you too?

no bonus from me, but a pressie. I generally apply a rule of trying to treat my employee as I expect my employer to treat me. I'm afraid there's no bonus for either of us.

I don't think it is the norm. I don't get a Xmas bonus in my current job... I didn't get one in my past jobs. I do however get a present, not something expensive but something the parents think I may like (quality organic chocolate last xmas), and if I'm really lucky perhaps something the children have made.

A weeks pay plus £100 pressie... I'd say it's way too much, certainly way more than I've had from a family in the past. But I suppose it depends on your circumstances, if you have lots of money, then spend it. If you are an average family, with high mortgage payments, trying to balance the books each month... then a thoughtful present plus something the children have made is perhaps all the budget will stretch to.
It's the thought that counts, not the value of the gift.

A week's pay and something small and ridiculous from the children (last year DS chose two pine cones and a Hot Wheels car for our nanny)

I could no way afford to pay a bonus to my nannies but I do get them pressies from me and one from my daughter. Pressies this year are nice smellies, a bottle of champagne and some choccies. same for all of them (temp nannies, mat leave nanny and ex-nanny = current babysitter). DD hasn't chosen pressies for them yet but I am thinking the pine cones and hot wheels would be about right!